Inexpensive quality light for small tank

[johnnydeez]

First I know inexpensive and quality never go together, but work with me if you can...I’ve got a 10g HOB filter tank I want to use as a frag tank/ quarantine tank. I will upgrade tank sizes and hopefully get a nice overflow tank for my office eventually. I have a 90g show tank and just want this little guy to grow etc. I need a solid light that i won’t get divorced over. thanks for any input! John

 

[sharis100]

Depends what you think is inexpensive…. There are many small factor form lights from reputable companies. Reefbreeders has a great nano light, the AI Prime lights would work well, etc and although they are not cheap, they are certainly less expensive then an Ecotech or a Kessil for example. There are ton of lights on Alie that are super inexpensive- some are available on Amazon. Do you want a pick or a bar? What are you growing? All this matters in deciding a light.

 

[johnnydeez]

I’d like it to be able to sustain and grow sps. And I know this is crazy but $50-$100. I don’t really mind the type, bulb, bar, led etc. But I am running AI Hydra 32HD x2 in my 90g. Not that it matters, I don’t have a problem transferring/ transitioning corals from one type to another. But I would like to see growth in the small tank. Again like a grow out/ frag tank, small so I can control parameters very well.

 

[hiimsean]

You can usually find black box leds for under $100.

 

[billyocean]

Smatfarm is a pretty inexpensive light that is supposed to be decent. Could probably find a used ai prime 13 HD for cheap too.

 

[timeconsumer]

Smatfarm is a pretty inexpensive light that is supposed to be decent. Could probably find a used ai prime 13 HD for cheap too.

Yeah this one or a Nicrew would be my suggestions.

 

[Cook]

I would look for a used HD Prine and use the BRS settings for it based on tank size. For a little more, $20-30, you may find an HD Prime 16.

 

[johnnydeez]

I would look for a used HD Prine and use the BRS settings for it based on tank size. For a little more, $20-30, you may find an HD Prime 16.

Where do I go about finding one of these used AI lights?

 

[Cook]

Just keep an eye out on the for sale forums here. You can also look on Reef2Reef. I have one that I won't need soon, but I am waiting until I sell my 20 Gallon Waterbox to see if someone wants the light to go with it.

 

[johnnydeez]

Tell me more about your 20g water box..

 

[Billldg]

Maxspect Razor light. It is not cheap, but cheaper than most top lights and will simply do the job.

AI lights are also a great choice.

 

[johnnydeez]

Thank you everyone for your input!

 

[jstone]

I’ve had good luck with the current USA orbit marine- I have a 20long so it’s shallow but - I’ve had no problems with my sps

 

[drnecropolis]

Chinese black box will work amazing for what you want to do, can throw a few more bucks and get one with a timer.
I know a few people that have them. They throw pretty light..

 

[ThaGlasMan1]

I have 2 of the ones above. I love them!